Passerby, 63, stabbed during shoplifting at liquor store in BC

A passerby has been seriously injured after he was stabbed by a shoplifter who was trying to flee a liquor store in Vancouver's Olympic Village neighbourhood.

Vancouver police say the attack happened on Saturday at around 10:30 p.m., when a security guard was trying to stop a shoplifter from leaving the liquor store.

Police say the 63-year-old passerby intervened to help stop the alleged shoplifter, who in turn stabbed the man before fleeing.

Vancouver police say the stabbing injury was so severe that officers had to provide emergency first aid by applying a tourniquet to slow the bleeding.

The shoplifting suspect, who fled the scene, along with three alleged accomplices were arrested shortly after midnight by patrolling officers in downtown Vancouver near Granville and Robson streets.

Police say they were able to identify the suspects through security images, and the alleged shoplifter is "expected to face criminal charges" upon further investigation.

The stabbing suspect, a 21-year-old from Surrey, was taken to jail and held until Sunday afternoon, police said. He has now been released from custody with bail conditions and is expected to face criminal charges once the investigation is complete.

The three alleged accomplices – an 18-year-old man from Richmond, a 16-year-old girl from Surrey, and a 16-year-old girl from New Westminster – have also been released on bail pending completion of the investigation.

“This is another violent incident that underscores the realities small businesses, their staff, and shoppers face every day,” said Sgt. Steve Addison of the VPD.

“Nobody should be subjected to this level of violence at their work or in their community. We wish the victim a full recovery, and we’re grateful to have made quick arrests in this case.”